Today on the Cattle USA Daily Podcast, livestock nutritionist Justin Ramirez returns to break down the roles of protein and energy in cattle nutrition and explain how producers can determine what their cattle actually need. From recognizing potential nutritional deficiencies to understanding forage testing, Justin shares how forage maturity, seasonal changes and stage of production affect nutritional requirements. Justin also explains how to read forage analysis reports, calculate protein and energy needs, and choose the right supplements for different conditions. Whether producers are feeding hay, grazing pasture or preparing for winter, this conversation offers practical ways to build a more effective nutrition program, avoid unnecessary supplementation and save time and money.
Connect with Justin:Email: howdy@primestocknutrition.comWebsite: primestocknutrition.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-a-ramirez-msc-78aa1972/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JustinARamirezNutritionist
Links:
CattleUSA Insurance - https://info.cattleusainsurance.com/l/1102253/2025-06-04/288f5m
CattleUSA Website - https://www.cattleusa.com/
CattleUSA App IOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cattleusa/id1673147759
CattleUSA App Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.edgarmcbee.cusamobile&pcampaignid=web_share
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/cattleusamedia
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cattleusa.media/
Subscribe to our newsletter - https://www.cattleusa.shop/products/cattleusa-drive-premium-daily-newsletter?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&brid=YWdncwFNXt0EmdzFy5cJJBp84J9g
CattleUSA Media - https://www.cattleusamedia.com/
Lauren’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/_laurenmoylan/
Lauren’s Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@Showboatmediaco
The Next Generation Podcast Website - https://www.thenextgenag.com/
Key Takeaways:
Manure consistency can offer clues about forage digestion
Lush green grass may provide protein but not enough energy intake
Dormant forage often requires additional protein
Forage maturity affects digestibility and voluntary intake
Protein and energy requirements change with season and production stage
Hay can retain protein while losing energy value
ADF and NDF help evaluate forage digestibility and intake
Supplement types vary in nutrient concentration and feeding rate
Forage testing helps prevent under- and over-supplementation
Simple calculations can help match forage nutrients to cattle requirements
Chapters:
01:00 – Building a Practical Feeding Program
01:42 – Reading Cattle, Forage and Manure
04:19 – Where to Start with Supplementation
04:55 – Choosing Protein or Energy Based on Forage
08:28 – How Seasons Change Nutritional Needs
09:02 – Matching Supplements to Forage Conditions
15:03 – Choosing Between Cubes, Tubs, Blocks and Textured Feeds
18:50 – Avoiding Under- and Over-Supplementation
19:08 – Why Forage Testing Matters
24:10 – The One Step Every Producer Should Take
24:40 – Testing Hay and Calculating Nutritional Needs
30:23 – Turning Nutrition Knowledge into Better Decisions
32:09 – Using Your Phone to Save Time and Money
Cattle nutrition, beef cattle nutrition, cattle supplements, protein supplementation, energy supplementation, forage testing, hay testing, forage quality, crude protein, total digestible nutrients, TDN, ADF, NDF, cattle feed, beef cow requirements, cattle feeding program, winter cattle nutrition, grazing management, cattle production, Justin Ramirez, Cattle USA Daily Podcast
